Minimum qualifications

The first qualification you will need is the ASA Level 1 Certificate. This focuses on how to teach or coach and what to teach or coach.

Once you have received your certificate you will be qualified to support a more senior qualified or licensed teacher/coach at any level in a pre-prepared session.

You must be 16+ years of age when the course finishes to take it.

To be able to work on your own (aside from lifeguarding cover) you must be the holder of an ASA Level 2 Certificate.

You must be 17 + years of age before the course begins.

Becoming a swimming teacher: costs

Typically, initial qualifications cost around £390, but don’t let lack of funds stand in the way.

There are bursaries and grants available. They vary according to location but some even pay 100% of the course costs.

Becoming a swimming teacher: jobs

When you first start you will probably work in a learn to swim scheme in a swimming club or leisure centre as an assistant swimming teacher – also known as a learn to swim support coach.

You will be under the supervision of a Level 2 qualified teacher or coach to deliver swimming lessons to children and adults. You will help to teach wannabe swimmers how to move and be safe in the water.

Your job will be to assist in teaching/coaching some of these basic skills. Other tasks might include laying out the equipment ready for lessons and making sure buoyancy aids are safely fitted.